Summer is the best time for active sports. And who knows more about them than 15-time Russian cycling champion, participant in the World and European Championships, and a member of the Russian national team from 2000 to 2019, Ivan Seledkov? We asked him about the rules of effective training, professional inspiration, and skin protection in extreme competition conditions.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING CYCLING? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS SPORT?
I started training in the first grade of school. My father was a coach, so the choice was obvious.
CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN YOUR CAREER AS A CYCLIST? WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS?
There were many victories! Winning the Russian Championship was probably the most memorable. But the greatest victory was over myself, as the weather conditions during competitions are a real test of endurance.
HOW DOES YOU PREPARE FOR COMPETITIONS, AND WHAT ROLE DOES NUTRITION PLAY IN IT?
Preparation takes place over two months. A regimen. A training plan. Weight loss. Calorie counting. During this period, you begin to get to know yourself better, seeing how your body reacts to stress and restrictions. But you understand why all this is necessary. The more experience you have, the easier it becomes.
DO CYCLING RACES TAKE PLACE IN DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS? WHICH WOULD YOU CALL THE MOST DIFFICULT?
Heat. For me, this is an even greater challenge than rain or cold wind, for example.WHEN YOU ARE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS, IT IS EASY TO GET BURNED IN THE SUN. HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM DURING COMPETITIONS? HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ATHLETES PROTECT THEIR SKIN FROM THE SUN?
Yes, I have, of course. I've tried everything. Regular products don't help. While you're riding, sweat pours down, so the product needs to be truly powerful and waterproof. When I first tried the Bronzeada Sport sunscreen gel from LIBREDERM during training, I saw the results immediately: my skin didn't burn, as it usually does. My face and exposed areas simply tanned. It has a great gel texture, so there are no white streaks on your skin or your uniform. It absorbs quickly - you don't need to spend a lot of time on it.
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH MENTAL PRESSURE AND STRESS DURING COMPETITIONS? ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TECHNIQUES YOU USE TO MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS?
Live the day the same way you lived yesterday. Don't do anything unusual that goes beyond the routine. That's my simple philosophy.
HOW DOES YOUR TRAINING DIFFER DURING PREPARATION FOR COMPETITIONS AND DURING THE OFF-SEASON? WHAT HELPS YOU STAY IN SHAPE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
Motivation. Competition preparation means intense training. During the off-season, it's strength and volume training. I'm not just an athlete. I sincerely love what I do. I train people, including amateurs. When I see results in others, I'm just as happy as when I break my own records.
WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THE MOST DIFFICULT THING IN YOUR PROFESSION?
I won't reveal any secrets here! Maintain discipline by following a routine.
Share your achievements—everyone needs support to compensate for their extraordinary efforts."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BEGINNER CYCLISTS WHO WANT TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THIS SPORT?
Set race goals—intermediate and main ones. Without a goal, there will be no progress. Keep a diary, talk about your achievements - anyone needs support to compensate for their extra efforts.
WHAT PROSPECTS DO YOU SEEN FOR CYCLING IN THE FUTURE, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU EXPECT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
Cycling in Russia will develop at the regional level. Let's watch my forecast (laughs).
WHAT GOALS DO YOU SET FOR YOURSELF FOR THE FUTURE?
To become a 20-time Russian champion. I am a professional athlete and I know how to achieve this goal. And I also want to wish amateurs - believe in your strength. Personal achievements - all in the piggy bank of your common victories. There are no small ones among them, as is sometimes believed, they are all large.
Sunscreen gel for face and body Bronzeada Sport LIBREDERM is recommended for professional athletes and amateurs for effective skin protection during extreme and water sports.